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There are plenty of headlines in 2022, but we want to make sure our best feel-good stories get their own spotlight.
This year, we created louisiana inspireda weekly feature on local people and organizations working to solve problems and make the world a better place.
Know of someone or an organization that is doing great work to make Louisiana a better place?Let us know by emailing us lainspired@theadvocate.com.
Here are some of our most popular moving stories of 2022:
On Thursday, September 22, 2022, Hector Gonzales headed to the Louisiana Lighthouse in New Orleans for lunch. (Photo: Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Company hires disabled people to make everything from mugs to pillowcases
Founded in New Orleans in 1915 and still retaining its headquarters, Lighthouse Louisiana provides vital services to those with vision and hearing loss, including advocacy, assistance and employment.
However, Lighthouse is probably best known for the manufacturing side of the operation. No wonder—it’s the largest employer of the blind in Louisiana, and its manufacturing plants on State Street in New Orleans and North Flannery Road in Baton Rouge account for the majority of its 140 employees, making everything from paper cups to pillowcases and towels .
Read more about surgery here.
Andy Bankard (right) said the biggest benefit of therapy was the peace of mind it gave him. It’s now easier to spontaneously enjoy an activity with the kids, he said, explaining that before, he would cancel an entire day if something was wrong in his head.
An Injection Helps Heal PTSD in Louisiana Veterans
Veterans and founder of the Acadiana Veterans Alliance, Andrew Ward wants to reduce PTSD and help end veteran suicide in Louisiana.
While it’s no panacea, with the help of a single fast-acting injection in the neck, he and a team at Acadiana are working to help those suffering from PTSD.
read more here.
Asia Dillon, 15, founder of SassyA Cosmetics, assists customers at her booth during a pop-up event on Freret Street on November 12, 2022. Dillon started the business in 2018 and has since expanded to sell at three stores in New Orleans.
Teen rises to fame with cosmetics company she founded at 11
Asia Dillon, 15, a sophomore at Riverdale High School, founder of SassyA Cosmetics. Her products, which include lipsticks, lip balms and various other forms of lip makeup, are sold at three stores in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
While Asia manufactures its own products in her Marrero home, she and her mother, Latrice Dillon, hope to partner with a larger manufacturer and eventually sell the SassyA line in department stores.
This is How she started a business at 11 years old.
Brittany Jones teaches sixth grade at Bricolage Academy in New Orleans on Thursday, September 29, 2022. (Photo: Brett Duke, nora net | The Times – Playboy | The New Orleans Advocate)
Louisiana firm aims to ease teacher shortage
Teach For America alum Andre Feigler is tired of not calling in sick for fear that a substitute teacher will be a distraction and cause her students to lose a day of study Richthe company will develop a pool of well-trained and qualified teachers and work with schools to place them.
This is How the pandemic sent companies skyrocketing.
Founder John Fraboni leads the adult workforce program at Operation Spark’s Marini/Bywater campus.
This coding course prepares people for $65,000 jobs in Louisiana
headquartered in new orleans Operation Spark Offering a variety of solutions for students of all ages interested in pursuing careers in software technology, one of the fastest growing career fields in Louisiana.
The free introductory sessions are designed to accommodate a variety of schedules and offer participants a free opportunity to see if the more intense six-week boot camp, which has a variable price, is something they want to try.
Find out more about the program here.
On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, director Quanteria Williams-Porche walks with Mike Stagg at the Split Second Foundation Coliseum in New Orleans. Mike Stagg had a stroke and he hit the gym multiple times a week. (Photo by Sophia Germer, nora netThe Times – Playboy | The New Orleans Advocate)
Louisiana’s first gym opens for seriously injured patients
Mark Raymond Jr. knows what it’s like to be alone. In 2016, the accomplished former broadcast engineer was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.
In February 2021, the foundation opened Split Second Gym On Gentleman’s Avenue in New Orleans. It is the first facility in Louisiana dedicated to serving people who have been paralyzed, stroked or amputated.
This is Why do some people say that the gym is a lifeline.
Looking at Mila Latiolais are the surgeons involved in her surgery, from left, Dr. James McMurray, Pediatric ENT; Dr. Jill D’Souza, Pediatric ENT; and Dr. Frank Pigula, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
Rare Surgery at Children’s Hospital
When a baby’s common cold develops into a life-threatening condition, Unprecedented surgery in Louisiana led to a happy ending.
Today, Mila Ryan Latiolais is a healthy 9-month-old.
read her full story here.
Jennifer Richardson, founder of Keep Tiger Town Beautiful, collected 31 carts on College Drive in Baton Rouge.
She formed a group of 3,000 friends to clean up the rubbish
Every time Jennifer Richardson pulls up to the intersection of Essen Lane and Jefferson Freeway, she says her blood starts to boil.
Today, her Facebook group has more than 3,000 people, Keep Tiger Town Beautifulher goal to clean the city has become a community effort.
This is Why do members say hard work is like treasure hunting.
Alecia Bergeron, who helped found and teaches at Blue Bridge ASL Academy in Baton Rouge, was named an Angel Award recipient by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana.
Teaching American Sign Language to Babies and Toddlers
Alecia Bergeron teaches American Sign Language to infants and preschoolers at a unique Baton Rouge center.
Bergeron, who is deaf, worked as a record-keeper for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2016. Three years later, she learned about the opportunity to use cCombines ASL skills with an affinity for children.
Read more about her story here.
Oscar Campbell, 16, a participant in the District 15 Juvenile Drug Court program, is seen with his mother, Melissa, at their home in Lafayette, Louisiana, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022 laugh.
Teens get a second chance with this dedicated juvenile court program
15th Judicial District minors in 20 years professional court Committed to connecting with local youth and turning their conflict with the criminal justice system into an opportunity for self-improvement and rehabilitation.
The program is customized for each participant and includes group counseling, court appearances, random drug screenings, one-on-one meetings and life coaching.
Read more about the program here.
Tanya Essien presents Hope Central, a free online service that helps people take the sometimes difficult steps when moving from one job to another.
LWC brings hope to the unemployed
A free online service from the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) and career planning firm Kuder, hope center Helping people navigate the potentially difficult path from one job to the next.
Featuring guides, videos, and other helpful advice, the site offers a wealth of helpful information: it helps decide next steps, builds resilience, does wish-to-do lists, and provides access to crisis resources.
Read more about resources here.
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